2004
Lexus
LS430

Base Sedan

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Review

2004
Lexus
LS430 Review

Exceptional luxury sedan that is refined and extremely comfortable.

Reviewed by Automotive on
7/16/2004

Overview

The Lexus LS is the full-size sedan that acts as the flagship car for the Lexus brand. For the 2004 model year, the Lexus LS430 underwent a refresh that included modifications to its overall design as well as the addition of new features and a new six-speed automatic transmission. The 2004 Lexus LS430 continues to be a full-size luxury sedan that is equipped with a V-8 engine and rear drive. There is only one model of the 2004 Lexus LS430, but there are several packages and optional extras that can be added.

The Range

What's New

Minor changes are made to both the interior and exterior style and design of the 2004 Lexus LS430, but the significant changes are to the transmission and available features. The new transmission is a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate, which replaces the five-speed automatic of the previous models. Adaptive headlights, a knee airbag for the driver and the front passenger, power rear window shade, rear seat vanity mirror, and a power moonroof all become standard features. Some notable new options include heated and cooled rear seats, a rearview camera, the Lexus Pre-Collision system, and the SmartAccess keyless entry system.

Exterior

The front and rear styling of the 2004 Lexus LS430 has been tweaked slightly for the refresh. Both the front and rear fascias have been redesigned making them look more sophisticated yet conservative. The adaptive headlights have also been redesigned and allow the lights to be swiveled in the direction that the sedan is turning to follow the road as the sedan enters a corner. Seventeen-inch wheels come as standard, and 18-inch wheels are available as an option.

Interior

While the design of the interior of the 2004 Lexus LS430 is relatively the same to the 2003 model, the number of features available as standard and optional has increased. Walnut wood trim and an all-leather interior set the stage for the level of luxury experienced when riding in the 2004 Lexus LS430. The dash and instrument panel has easy to use gauges and controls and is laid out in elegant manner. Seating is very comfortable with plenty of head and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Without adding any of the available additional packages, the interior is fully equipped to ensure the full comfort and enjoyment of the driver and all passengers during the ride. Additional packages add further options to both the exterior and interior and includes the Sport package, the Custom Luxury package, and the Ultra Luxury package.

Performance & Handling

The 2004 Lexus LS430 is powered by a 4.3-liter, V-8 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. New for this model year is the replacement of the five-speed automatic with a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with a manual shift gate. The engine provides more than enough power for this larger car, and the addition of the new transmission makes it seem faster. The new transmission is smooth, ensuring a comfortable ride.

The seating and the suspension combine to provide one of the smoothest rides, no matter the surface of the road. The addition of the Sport package firms up the suspension, which provides better control and handling, but does not affect the comfort of the ride. Even without the Sport package, the 2004 Lexus LS430 handles well both in town and on the highway.

Safety

New standard safety equipment added to the 2004 Lexus LS430 includes knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, a tire pressure monitor, and adaptive headlights. Both anti-skid and traction control systems are standard, as are anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags, and front side airbags. The Pre-Collision system is available as an option and uses a grille-mounted sensor to determine if a crash is imminent in which case, seatbelts are automatically tightened and full braking pressure is activated. A rear backup camera is also available as an option.